Athletic Club is currently navigating its electoral pre-campaign, and Jon Uriarte has officially launched his candidacy. Through a series of carefully worded messages, Uriarte has lauded the impressive career of Ernesto Valverde, who is stepping down from his coaching role. Simultaneously, Uriarte has avoided publicly naming Valverde’s potential successor. He underscored the immense value of four years of experience within the football industry and the institution itself, while also acknowledging that fresh perspectives from outside the club can offer distinct advantages.
Uriarte is set to step down from his current position on March 29, when the Board of Directors will transition into a Management Commission. He dedicated heartfelt words of gratitude and honor to Valverde, emphasizing the coach’s lasting impact. “We have achieved significant milestones; his leadership seamlessly continued two prior successful periods. He is, without a doubt, one of the most decorated coaches in the club’s modern history—a brilliant strategist and an exceptional individual. It has been a true privilege to collaborate with him, confirming what we always suspected: he consistently puts the club’s interests above his own,” Uriarte affirmed.
Our communication with him has been very fluid. This dialogue led us to a mutual agreement that the chapter had concluded and the cycle was complete.
Uriarte further elaborated, “It was an honor to be by his side during this time. When I first arrived, my understanding of football was quite limited, and Ernesto provided such a robust foundation that it enabled us to concentrate on other vital areas, confident that the sporting department was in exceptionally capable hands.” Uriarte also shed light on Valverde’s decision to announce his departure a week prior: “Our communication was very fluid. This open dialogue facilitated a mutual understanding that an era had ended and a cycle was complete. A specific date for the announcement was also chosen to minimize any potential negative repercussions and, conversely, to positively benefit the first team.”
One of my bosses from years ago once told me that cemeteries are full of indispensable people. It happens often in life.
So, what lies ahead? The president-candidate is now tasked with finding a replacement for Valverde, a process he has already begun, though he keeps his preferences private. He recounted an anecdote from his professional life in London: “One of my former managers once remarked that graveyards are full of individuals considered ‘indispensable.’ It’s a common truth in life. The challenge before us is substantial: replacing a legend like Valverde. It won’t be easy, but we are confident we will succeed.”
